The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025 brought electrifying K-pop performances, but it also sparked heated debates among fans. BLACKPINK members Jennie and Lisa performed as solo artists, joined by acts like ENHYPEN and XG. While their shows dazzled many, some fans criticized the heavy use of backing tracks, comparing them to LE SSERAFIM’s 2024 Coachella appearance. Social media buzzed with claims that LE SSERAFIM deserves an apology for the harsh backlash they faced last year. Here’s a detailed look at what happened.
Jennie and Lisa’s Solo Stages Draw Mixed Reactions
Jennie took the Outdoor Theatre stage on April 13, 2025, delivering a 12-song setlist that included tracks like Mantra, Filter, Love Hangover, and Starlight. Her performance was high-energy, with intricate choreography and a bold stage presence. Lisa, performing on the Sahara stage on April 11, 2025, opened with Thunder from her solo album Alter Ego. Her set featured cinematic visuals, fierce dancing, and songs like Money and Elastigirl. Both artists had star-studded support, with Rosé and Jisoo spotted cheering for Lisa, and Lisa and Rosé supporting Jennie from the crowd.
Fans praised their charisma and visuals. One social media user wrote:
Lisa was radiant on stage, her stage presence, vocal and dance is amazing, she showed all her power and omg I’m so proud of this wonderful and incredible woman.
Another fan gushed about Jennie:
We’re all obsessed with Jennie jennie jennie 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
However, not all feedback was positive. Some fans pointed out the loud backing tracks in both performances, claiming they drowned out live vocals. On X, a user commented:
decided to watch a little bit of jennie’s coachella stage and girl… she’s not singing most of the song her backtrack is so loud😭😭
Another user remarked about Lisa:
Lisa, you’re at Coachella, why is this backtrack so loud?
Critics argued that Jennie relied heavily on lip-syncing, with one X post stating:
Jennie completely avoids singing and only yells 2/3 words at #Coachella2025
Some felt Jennie struggled with stamina, noting she seemed out of breath early in her set. A user wrote:
Jennie was OUT of breath by the second song and barely sang, just shouted few words in between bcs the backtrack was doing the work
Lisa also faced scrutiny, with some calling her choreography “too provocative” and her vocals less polished than expected. A Reddit user noted:
I like both girls, but I can admit they’re more performers than singers, if that makes sense. Vocals were always Rosé’s strength in BLACKPINK.
Despite the criticism, supporters defended both artists, arguing that K-pop performances often prioritize choreography and visuals over live vocals, especially on a massive stage like Coachella.
LE SSERAFIM’s 2024 Performance Resurfaces
The debate took a new turn when fans brought up LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella 2024 performance. The five-member girl group—Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae—faced intense backlash last year for their live vocals, which some called “unstable.” The criticism was so severe that the members addressed it on social media, with Yunjin posting about their efforts to improve.
In 2025, fans revisited LE SSERAFIM’s set, praising their attempt to sing live with minimal backing tracks during the first weekend. One X user wrote:
been watching some coachella performances this year and no disrespect to other artists i just gotta give props to le sserafim for going all out with raw vocals, intense choreo and barely any backtrack during weekend one last year
Another fan expressed frustration:
karma has LIFELONG debt to you. cause bitch. only they got hate for having 0 backtrack and then a lil more backtrack. like atp the double standards are just funny and they better become extra successful in the future idgaf the universe has to pay back
Fans noted that LE SSERAFIM faced pressure to use louder backing tracks for their second weekend in 2024 due to the backlash. A user commented:
They also pointed out how the quintet was “bullied into using backtracks for the second week of their Coachella set because K-pop stans can’t tolerate live singing and a few shaky notes here and there.”
Many felt the group was unfairly targeted, especially since other K-pop acts, including Jennie and Lisa, used noticeable backing tracks in 2025 without similar levels of hate. One fan stated:
I will never forgive anyone who dragged Le Sserafim for a few rough notes while Lisa and Jennie out here with nearly their whole performances being backtrack 🤬
Why the Comparisons Sparked Fandom Wars
The criticism of Jennie and Lisa’s backing tracks led to a broader discussion about double standards in K-pop. Fans argued that LE SSERAFIM received disproportionate hate for their raw vocals, while other artists were praised despite relying on pre-recorded tracks. A user on X wrote:
Lisa and Jennie come out with loud backtracks, barely singing live… Praising lip-syncing and minimal effort while tearing down others who are actually singing live says a lot about your bias…
Some fans defended Jennie and Lisa, pointing out the challenges of performing solo at Coachella. A supporter said:
On the flip side, Jennie’s loyal fans and BLINKs came through with major love, defending her set and praising her for killing it. Many argued that being a group performer transitioning to a solo act, especially on a stage like Coachella, is no easy feat — and Jennie held her ground.
Others highlighted Lisa’s growth, with one fan noting:
This is LISA’s best performances yet. She always gives it her all. Not perfect, never pretending to be, just REAL, POWERFUL, and PASSIONATE every time she steps on stage. We’re endlessly proud of you, LALISA. 😭
The comparisons fueled tensions between fandoms, with BLINKs (BLACKPINK fans) and FEARNOTs (LE SSERAFIM fans) clashing online. Some accused critics of bias, while others called for fairness in evaluating live performances.
What This Means for K-Pop at Coachella
The debate underscores the high expectations K-pop artists face at global events like Coachella. Fans demand flawless vocals, choreography, and stage presence, but opinions differ on what makes a “great” performance. LE SSERAFIM’s 2024 set was a bold attempt at raw vocals, but the backlash highlighted fans’ intolerance for imperfections. In contrast, Jennie and Lisa’s 2025 performances leaned on polished production, yet faced scrutiny for lacking live singing.
Social media reactions showed frustration with these standards. One user summed it up:
why does almost every kpop artist who goes to coachella have the LOUDEST backing track of the whole festival and then they have to yell into the mic to even hear them idgi
The controversy also raised questions about fairness. Fans asked why LE SSERAFIM faced harsher criticism than other acts, with one stating:
So after seeing the performances this year makes me open my eyes more to the fact of how much kpop stans hate on a selective basis. In no way shape or form the performance of Lesserafim with 0 back tracks and doing full on choreo is worse than what I have seen this week.
As K-pop continues to shine at Coachella, the discussion around backing tracks and live vocals remains a hot topic, shaping how fans and artists approach future performances.
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